RECEPTION children at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Middlewich have become best mates already through the school’s ‘buddy’ scheme.

The new batch of pupils have been adjusting to life at their school by pairing up with a ‘big kid’ from Year 6.

In time, the older buddies will back off and allow the younger children to find their own feet. Deputy headteacher Sue Noyce said: “It’s good for the Year 6 pupils. It gives them responsibility to realise they’re now the oldest in the school. “They embrace it, they love it and they always remember their buddies in years to come and some keep in touch.”

Year 4 and 5 pupils have been have been making music by taking up an instrument for the next year.

Mrs Noyce added: “By the end of the year they play together in an orchestra. It also introduces them to something they might not be bothered about without giving it a try.”